from the Editor's Desk

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.

1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV

How easily we forget to be thankful. This summer has been the hottest and driest I have seen since I have lived in Gympie. My poor garden is slowly dying, I can’t feed it as we are on tank water and the level is getting lower by the day. To get a fill of water there is a 2 week waiting period hence tank water has become so very valuable in my home right now. I have found myself worrying so much, especially as we have had a few visitors coming through and I want their time with us to be perfect, enjoying our home and what it has to offer and not worrying when they have showers etc.

Then I look around this awesome country of ours and see the devastation happening and I have to pull my horns in. Oh shame on me – my troubles are insignificant compared to others who are losing their homes and lives. Then God comes along and brings me 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 -18 only a few words but they sink deep into my heart. Let 2013 become the year we learn to be thankful in all things.

Our first edition of conXion for 2013 holds many stories from many diverse women. I have often written that come the 20^th of the month I am waiting for articles to land on my desk and God has never disappointed me. I am thrilled with what has landed this month! I talk about rain here in Australia, then read Karen’s story of rain in Dubai where they don’t get much at all.

One thing that has excited me this year is that each issue of conXion will feature the personal life story from a woman of faith. This first one is shared by one of my favourite singer-song writers, Bel Morrison/Thomson. It's a story of love and waiting on God. Bel tells the love story of how she met her husband Phil.  I am sure it will touch your heart as it did mine when Bel first shared it with me.

I shared in December that a decision was made to dissolve a National Women’s Conference. Marj Dredge, National Coordinator has written the final report from this meeting, for those who have been involved one way or another for your interest this report is in this month’s edition.

Lastly I take this opportunity to encourage you to attend the first ladies’ camp/retreat for this year, to be held at Camp Koojarewon at Highfields near Toowoomba. Camp leader Pam Hine and her team are preparing yet another special time of gathering to worship, hear and share God’s word. Donna Savill is their guest speaker and will be speaking on the theme ‘Cling to the Vine’. Ladies’ retreats are a wonderful way to take time away from everyday life to spend time with God and like-minded women.

In His love, Andi